How to Find Accommodation in Germany as a New Immigrant

Akanksha Tripathi

4 min read

Updated On Feb 13, 2026

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Finding accommodation in Germany as a new immigrant can take 2 to 6 months in big cities. Check rent by city, housing types, best websites, required documents, and the exact steps to rent an apartment in Germany without stress.

How to Find Accommodation in Germany as a New Immigrant

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Types of Accommodation in Germany for Immigrants
Monthly Rent Costs in Major German Cities
Where to Search for Accommodation in Germany as a New Immigrant
Documents You Need for Apartment Applications in Germany
Steps to Rent an Apartment in Germany听
Start Your Germany Accommodation Search Early with 成人每日大赛 Assistance

The housing market in Germany is very competitive. Apartments get 50 to 100 applications within 24 hours. Knowing how to find accommodation in Germany before you arrive saves months of stress and temporary living costs. You need the right documents, know where to search, and respond fast. Landlords expect detailed paperwork and quick decisions. So, let's understand in detail what you need to do find the right accommodation for you.

Types of Accommodation in Germany for Immigrants

When you start looking for accommodation in Germany as a new immigrant, you will find several housing options. Check below the accommodation types available in Germany:

Type	Monthly Cost	Best For	Availability
Shared Apartment (WG)	EUR 300 to EUR 600	Students, young professionals	Easy to find
Student Dormitory	EUR 200 to EUR 400	University students	Limited, apply early
Furnished Apartment	EUR 800 to EUR 1,500	Temporary stays 2 to 6 months	Moderate, higher cost
Unfurnished Apartment	EUR 500 to EUR 1,500	Long term residents	Difficult, high competition
Private Studio	EUR 650 to EUR 1,200	Singles wanting privacy	Moderate competition

Compare:听Germany Immigration Options for 2026: Opportunity Card vs Work Visa vs Study Route

Monthly Rent Costs in Major German Cities

Rent varies a lot by city in a country like Germany. Munich is the most expensive, while Leipzig and Dresden offer affordable options. Check below the rent costs of different cities:听

City	1 Bedroom in Center	1 Bedroom Outside Center	WG Room	Cost Level
Munich	EUR 1,300 to EUR 1,700	EUR 900 to EUR 1,200	EUR 550 to EUR 700	Highest
Frankfurt	EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,400	EUR 800 to EUR 1,000	EUR 500 to EUR 650	High
Berlin	EUR 950 to EUR 1,250	EUR 700 to EUR 900	EUR 450 to EUR 600	Medium
Hamburg	EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,300	EUR 750 to EUR 950	EUR 480 to EUR 620	High
Stuttgart	EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,350	EUR 850 to EUR 1,050	EUR 520 to EUR 650	High
Cologne	EUR 900 to EUR 1,150	EUR 700 to EUR 850	EUR 420 to EUR 550	Medium
Leipzig	EUR 650 to EUR 850	EUR 500 to EUR 650	EUR 300 to EUR 400	Low
Dresden	EUR 700 to EUR 900	EUR 500 to EUR 700	EUR 320 to EUR 420	Low

Where to Search for Accommodation in Germany as a New Immigrant

Finding accommodation in Germany requires using multiple platforms simultaneously.Check some of the tips that would help you in finding your new home in Germany:听

Check Top Websites

You need to keep checking the top websites to find accommodation in Germany. Some of the websites are: ImmobilienScout24 (largest platform), WG Gesucht (best for shared apartments), Immowelt, eBay Kleinanzeigen, Wunderflats (furnished short term), Spotahome (book online), Homelike (move in ready).

Search Strategy

Set email alerts on all platforms. Check listings multiple times daily. Respond within 1 to 2 hours of posting. Apply to 20 to 30 apartments simultaneously.

Facebook Groups

Join city-specific groups like "Housing in Berlin" or "WG Zimmer M眉nchen". Many landlords post here first. Try to respond quickly with polite messages.

University Housing

Contact Studentenwerk immediately after admission. Dormitories cost EUR 200 to EUR 400 monthly but usually they have 3 to 6 month waiting lists.

Quick Read: 5 Best Job Portals in Germany for Indians in 2026

Documents You Need for Apartment Applications in Germany

Landlords request extensive documentation before accepting tenants. Having these ready speeds up your accommodation search in Germany. Check here the essential documents you need:

Document	Details	Cost
Passport and Visa	Valid residence permit or visa copy	Free
Employment Contract	Proof of income source or admission letter	Free
Salary Slips	Last 3 months or blocked account statement	Free
SCHUFA Credit Report	German credit score from meineschufa.de	EUR 29.95
Landlord Reference	Letter from previous landlord	Free
Self Disclosure Form	Completed Selbstauskunft	Free
Liability Insurance	Haftpflichtversicherung policy	EUR 5 to EUR 10 monthly

Steps to Rent an Apartment in Germany听

Follow this process for renting an apartment in Germany:

Step 1: Book temporary housing for first 2 to 4 months. This will give you a German address for registration.

Step 2: Register your address at the B眉rgeramt within 14 days. You need Wohnungsgeberbest盲tigung from your landlord.

Step 3: Open a German bank account and get salary slips. These prove financial stability.

Step 4: Prepare all documents, get SCHUFA report, write cover letter.

Step 5: Search daily on multiple platforms. Apply to 20 to 30 apartments weekly.

Step 6: Once accepted, sign the rental contract. Check lease duration, notice period and included costs.

Step 7: Pay security deposit (2 to 3 months' cold rent). Pay the first month's rent before moving.

Step 8: Do an apartment inspection with the landlord. Note any existing damage in 脺bergabeprotokoll. Take photos.

Step 9: Set up utilities (electricity, internet, TV license EUR 18.36 monthly).

Step 10: Update your address at B眉rgeramt within 14 days of moving.

Start Your Germany Accommodation Search Early with 成人每日大赛 Assistance

Finding accommodation in Germany as a new immigrant takes 2 to 6 months in competitive cities like Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt. Start searching before you arrive, using furnished short-term options initially. Prepare all documents, respond quickly to listings, and apply broadly across neighbourhoods.

成人每日大赛 is one of the trusted immigration facilitators for all your immigration needs among students and professionals. Our immigration experts are committed to helping you understand and deliver better guidance in choosing the right country for your career goals and ensuring efficient processing of your visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to find accommodation in Germany?

Finding accommodation in Germany takes 1 to 3 months in smaller cities and 3 to 6 months in Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin. Usually, shared apartments (WG) are easier to find within 2 to 4 weeks while private apartments need more time because of the high competition.

What is cold rent versus warm rent in Germany?

Cold rent (Kaltmiete) is base rent without utilities. Warm rent (Warmmiete) includes utilities like water, garbage, heating, and building maintenance. Your total monthly payment is warm rent. Electricity and internet are separate than your warm rent.

Do I need to speak German to find accommodation?

German helps significantly but is not always mandatory. Some landlords accept English, especially in international areas. Use English friendly platforms like Spotahome or Wunderflats, or bring German speaking friend to viewings and contract signing.

How much deposit do landlords require in Germany?

Landlords in Germany usually require 2 to 3 months cold rent as security deposit. On EUR 1,000 cold rent, deposit is EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,000. Deposit is refundable when you move out if apartment is undamaged. You can pay in 3 monthly installments.

What documents do I need to rent an apartment in Germany?

You need passport, visa, employment contract or admission letter, last 3 months salary slips, SCHUFA credit report, previous landlord reference, completed self disclosure form, and liability insurance to rent an apartment in Germany.

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